We are beginning to reschedule patients with a modified schedule to protect everyone's health. If you had an appointment with us in March or April, we will be contacting you in the next two weeks to reschedule your appointment. During this time off, Dr. Gregg has reviewed everyone's chart to ensure that their treatment continues as planned! We are so excited to see everyone again and ask for your cooperation as we all navigate this time together.

Early Orthodontic TreatmentGresham & Hood River

At Joseph R. Gregg Orthodontics, we believe early treatment is highly effective. While your child’s teeth may look straight, there may be underlying problems with their permanent teeth, bite, and jaws that are not initially apparent. Early detection and possible treatment can give you peace of mind and your child a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.

When Is the Best Time for My Child to Be Seen by an Orthodontist?

The American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. Does this mean that all young patients will be started with treatment? No, not at all! The majority of our young patients are seen every 6-8 months during these ages to monitor growth & development and the natural loss of the baby teeth.

The transition from primary teeth to permanent teeth is vital to a child’s oral health. Primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth and their proper positions. That is why it is important for us to perform a comprehensive exam while they still have their primary teeth. Signs and symptoms that may indicate underlying problems with their primary teeth include:

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Difficulty biting or chewing

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Difficulty with speech

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Difficulty breathing through their nose

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Prolonged thumb sucking

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A jaw that shifts or makes clicking sounds

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Misaligned teeth

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Teeth grinding or bruxism

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Losing baby teeth early or late

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Jaws that appear too far back or too far forward

How Early Is “Early Treatment?”

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to achieve the perfect bite. A perfect bite is defined by a functional relationship between the upper and lower jaws, and teeth that are staggered between one another. Proper orthodontic treatment will also create a strong foundation of oral health that will reduce the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. This is why early treatment can be so beneficial. While most of our younger patients may not need treatment till their teens. Certain orthodontic conditions can be treated as early as 7 or 8 years old.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Dr. Joseph R. Gregg does believe that there are cost-effective early treatment options that can benefit the patient as the adult teeth are erupting. These include:

Early orthodontic treatment can guide the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth to eliminate the need for treatment later in life. Early treatment is also essential to correct most orthodontic problems, as they are much easier to correct sooner rather than later. In other words, early treatment is largely preventative. Preventive care is cost-effective, time-efficient, and can reduce the need for restorative treatment.

Schedule Your Child’s Consultation Today!

Don’t neglect your child’s oral health! Call (503) 489-4546 to schedule your child’s consultation appointment today, and find out if early treatment is right for them!